The knock came late. Benjamin had already changed into his night clothes and was sitting at the edge of his bed, his cane propped against the wall, not quite ready to sleep. He had been staring at the box in the corner without meaning to.
He went downstairs and opened the door.
Charles stood on the dark porch, his collar turned up against the night air, alone.
"Why are you here?" Benjamin said, keeping his voice low. "It's late. You can't be seen here at this hour."
Charles stepped inside without answering. He closed the door behind him, and before Benjamin could say anything else, his arms came around him. Benjamin went still for a moment, then let himself be held.
Charles kissed him. Slow, unhurried, his hands cradling Benjamin's face as though they had time they didn't have.
